Global streaming giant, Spotify, announced today that Nigerian sensation singer, Qing Madi has joined its EQUAL Africa music programme. Since her arrival on the Nigerian music scene, the multi-talented songwriter and entertainer has captivated fans with her craft, and this month, she is being recognised as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for June.
For Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, music has been her only calling and her artistic genius was evident when she launched her career at the early age of seven. At 16, she delivered, See Finish, a record that highlighted her abilities and has made her a rising star to watch.
Heavily influenced by her cultural background and the lyrical arrangements of Kendrick Lamar, the versatile Nigerian prodigy is shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats, Pop, Soul and R&B.
She took the Nigerian music industry by storm when ‘See Finish’ went viral on social media and caught the attention of listeners. While Qing Madi is currently working on her debut EP, she released a follow-up single Why which further showcased her genre-blending ability as she combined smooth R&B vocal texture, Dancehall cadence, and Afrobeats melodies and lyrics to create an infectious song.
Qing Madi joins other Nigerian artists, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Asa, and FAVE as part of EQUAL Africa, which aims to spotlight and amplify the voices of talented female artists making waves in the music scene. In addition, it amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.
“We are proud to welcome Qing Madi to the EQUAL programme, and we’re so excited to see how her talent continues to take her from strength to strength. We hope by shining a light on talent like hers, we can inspire a new generation of creators,” says Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
Qing Madi says “As a female in the male-dominated industry, I have to work a million times harder to be seen and heard. Being part of the Equal programme is an opportunity as a female to be visible globally and to grow my fanbase.”
With more young female stars like Ayra Starr, FAVE, Ria Sean, and Bloody Civilian breaking into the mainstream, Qing Madi is positioned to be the next young female talent to take her music to a bigger audience and Spotify is set to assist her in her goal through its EQUAL Africa Program.
Check out Qing Madi’s single Why on the EQUAL Africa playlist.
